Blessed with a trinity of eggy breakfast Benedictions

EGGS Benedict has come a long way from its origin as a hangover cure.

- FRANK CHEMALY

The legend has it that one Benedict, feeling decidedly under the weather, ordered it at one of New York's swanky hotels at the height of America's gilded age.

His request was for eggs on ham and toast smothered in Hollandaise sauce.

The hotel obviously thought the toast was a bit beneath them and made such a glorious mess more chic with an English muffin.

And while there are certainly better hangover cures, a whole range of delicious breakfasts have been created around the concept and are still enjoyed some 130-odd years later.

The base may change, but the concept of luxuriously draping eggs in a sauce of more eggs and butter remains.

Bacon is a common replacement for ham, and my favourite.

I've had versions atop smoked salmon, seared tuna, fresh oysters, wilted spinach and a mushroom ragu.

All hit the spot. One I do at home sits on top of a bed of herby balsamic roast tomatoes with a hint of chilli.

I was lucky to enjoy three different Benedicts at my favourite coffee shops recently.

Col'tempo

This little Italian deli and eatery in Morningside could be plucked straight off the Amalfi Coast and transplanted in Durban. We sit outside in the quiet courtyard under the vines and feel like we're in a different world.